Bridget Jones Insulted

Speaking for the first time since the announcement that Renee Zellweger had been chosen for the part of Bridget Jones, author Helen Fielding said she had given up her role in the film-making process. ‘I had some initial involvement with the script,’ Fielding told a chat this week on People.com, ‘but authors traditionally turn into monsters when they turn their books into films so I thought I should gracefully retire a few months ago.’ When asked about the eventual choice of actress, Fielding responded, ‘Well, I'm very insulted that nobody asked me. My acting career was previously blighted in this way when I was cast in the university review and one by one in rehearsal all my parts were taken away from me…I've never met Renee but I'm told she's very funny and learning to speak English with an English rather than Texas accent.’ According to rumour, the casting for the part of Bridget had been held up for some months when Fielding couldn’t agree with the filmmakers on her leading lady. Kate Winslet – whom most people had thought would take on the role – eventually gave up waiting, deciding on the Therese Raquin movie instead.